Next Level Open Source

SoundCraft

Media · 28 Oct 2026

SoundCraft is a free, open-source digital audio workstation (an app for recording, editing and mixing sound), with multitrack audio and MIDI, a mixing console and automation. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.

WebsiteInstall guide
SoundCraft's Edit window: a session called Midnight Groove with nine tracks and their audio and MIDI clips on a timeline, and the clip list on the right.

Picture and logo: SoundCraft (getartcraft.com)

Is it right for you?

People who want to record, edit and mix music or sound on their own computer without paying for software, and are happy to use a project that is still in development.

Replaces some features, but not everything.

Look elsewhere if you need:

  • You need a mature, finished tool: the project labels SoundCraft in development.

What you can do with it

  • Record and edit in separate Edit and Mix windows, with editing modes, comping (building one take from several) and memory locations.
  • Mix on a full console with ten inserts and ten sends per track, busses, aux inputs, VCAs and automatic plugin delay compensation.
  • Record automation live for volume, pan, mutes, sends and plugin settings.
  • Use built-in effects and synthesisers, and load external CLAP plugins (a plugin format).
  • Edit MIDI (note data) in a piano roll, and use a score notation editor and audio-to-MIDI pitch detection.
  • Mix in surround up to 9.1.6 and play video in sync with the playhead.

Running cost

Running
Where it runs

Nothing to pay for this place itself.

Usage
API usage and online services

No API or online services are recorded. That may mean none are needed, or that we have not checked.

Price estimation

$0.00/month

About $0.00 a month on average, in USD. Over 1 year (12 months) that is $0.

Upfront, paid once
$0
Fixed monthly costs
$0 / month
Usage-based (API) costs
none recorded

Software licence: The project says SoundCraft is free and open source.

What this assumes

Typical use. Your own computer: The software runs on a computer you already own.

    • You already own the computer, so its price is not counted.
    • Electricity is not counted: it depends on your computer and where you live.

    An estimate built from these assumptions, not a quote.

    Getting started

    Choose how much technical work suits you. Easy takes you to the project’s own ready-made option; the other levels show what you need first and a prompt you can give an AI coding agent.

    Ways to install it

    Running
    ArtCraft Launcher
    Where
    Your own computer
    API usage
    None needed

    Download the ArtCraft Launcher, a small app that installs SoundCraft for you, picks the right version for your computer and keeps it updated.